Throughout history, armor has served two primary purposes: to provide protection and to showcase power and status. From the sturdy linen armor of ancient warriors to the intricately designed suits of Japanese samurai, these historical examples of armor reflect both the tactical needs and aesthetic ideals of their respective periods, writes Live Science.
One of the key aspects of armor design is the delicate balance between mobility and protection. According to Barry Molloy, an archaeologist and ancient warfare expert from University College Dublin, each piece of armor embodies a compromise between these two crucial aspects.
He explains that the effectiveness of armor depends not only on its construction but also on how it integrates with the weapons and shields used in battle. Consequently, the ideal armor remains elusive, with its design evolving based on tactical requirements.
Archaeologists have discovered various types of historical armor, each tailored to the era and region in which it was utilized. One notable example is the Dendri armor, dating back 3,500 years.
Unearthed in southern Greece, this Mycenaean-era armor consisted of numerous bronze plates fastened together with leather straps, enveloping the wearer from neck to knee. Molloy, who studied an accurate replica of this armor, notes that it provided significant protection for the head and neck—although later armor designs shifted much of this protection to helmets, leaving the neck more vulnerable.
Another intriguing example is the leather armor found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Discovered in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings, this 3,300-year-old armor is made from overlapping pieces of rawhide, resembling fish scales.
While it is not confirmed that Tutankhamun himself wore this armor, images depict the young king in such attire during hunting or chariot riding, possibly symbolizing royal power.
Similar to Tutankhamun's armor are the Chinese "fish scale" armors, dating back 2,500 years. Found in a cemetery near the Taklamakan Desert, this lightweight tunic likely represents a type of universal armor used by the entire army.
Its remarkable preservation is attributed to the dry desert environment. Patrick Wertmann, an archaeologist from the University of Zurich, suggests that this design, featuring overlapping leather pieces, may have been inspired by fish scales. Wertmann is currently reconstructing the armor to study its functionality.
During the Roman Empire, various types of armor emerged, notably the "lorica squamata" (Latin for "scaly armor"), which was used for centuries.
A preserved example from Timacum Minus in eastern Serbia hints at its role in the Roman military hierarchy: senior officers and emperors are depicted in similar armor in ancient artworks. The overlapping scales provided greater mobility compared to other Roman armors, such as the rigid lorica segmentata.
Japanese samurai warriors also donned complex armor, one of the most iconic types being the "ō-yoroi." This 700-year-old armor, often worn by mounted warriors, combined iron and leather panels with intricate lacquered finishes.
Legend has it that one "ō-yoroi" suit was gifted to the Ashikaga Shrine by Takauji Ashikaga, the founder of the Ashikaga shogunate.
Further afield in the Pacific islands of Kiribati, warriors wore unique suits made from natural materials.
For around 300 years, islanders crafted protective clothing from coconut husk and helmets from dried porcupine fish. This armor was used in ritual battles, often alongside weapons embedded with shark teeth.
Not all examples of historical armor are ancient. The infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly and his gang fashioned their bulletproof armor from steel plow blades in the late 19th century.
While the armor protected them during shootouts, Kelly's heavy suit ultimately restricted his mobility, leading to his capture. Kelly was apprehended and hanged, with his armor bearing the marks of 18 bullet hits.
The story of this armor illustrates its significance not only as tools of war but also as symbols of power and identity across different cultures and eras. They provide insight into the tactical innovations and societal values of the civilizations that created them.
We also reported on over 6,000 previously unknown Mayan structures that archaeologists discovered using LiDAR technology.